UN Rights Council Initiates Afghanistan Probe Amid Controversy

The UN Human Rights Council has decided to investigate human rights abuses in Afghanistan, potentially leading to criminal investigations involving the Taliban and foreign troops. The comprehensive probe seeks to gather evidence for future prosecutions, despite reservations from countries like the US and China regarding its scope and funding.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has launched an investigation into human rights abuses in Afghanistan. This initiative aims to gather evidence for future criminal prosecutions involving both Taliban and foreign troops, including those from the United States.

The United States, which once opposed international scrutiny, now supports the investigation of Taliban violations. Despite the US's historical resistance, the current administration under President Trump has distanced itself from international bodies that could assert jurisdiction over American soldiers.

The EU's proposal, lacking a time limit, suggests a comprehensive investigation unlike any before, akin to those in Syria and Myanmar. However, China has raised concerns about the $9.2 million cost amidst the UN's funding challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)